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Why South Korean Passport Photos Are Rejected
Check common reasons a South Korean passport photo may fail, from background and head size to editing and file errors.
A white background can still fail when composited
A uniform white background is required, but removing the original background or placing the person onto white is not allowed. Wall shadows, stains, borders, and visible objects can also cause problems.
Head length and placement may be outside the range
The top-of-head to chin measurement must fall between 3.2 and 3.6 cm in the printed photo. Excessive headroom or a cropped chin makes compliance difficult.
Check expression and visible eyes
An open mouth, exaggerated smile, hair or frames covering the eyes, and glare obscuring the pupils can cause rejection. The full facial outline must remain clear.
Use a recent, unaltered likeness
The photo must have been taken within six months of application. Filters and AI edits that change facial shape or skin are not allowed; take a new photo when the old one no longer reflects your current appearance.
Online file errors are separate
Even a visually compliant photo can fail upload when pixels, file size, or format fall outside the application system's limits.
- Real white shooting background
- Correct head-length range
- Visible eyes and facial outline
- Original from the last six months
- Correct pixels, size, and format